A spell called Bubble Armor came from my new Bubble Magic.
The main power behind this spell is that I can breathe underwater with it. Apparently I have the air I need inside the bubble that’s around my body, and it won’t deflate even underwater.
It probably uses my magic energy to create the oxygen I need.
The second effect is that while underwater, I can sink or float at will. Right now, I can sink to the bottom and swim around by just thinking about it. It kind of feels like I’m in space.
“This is useful. I can even talk normally. Next, I want to check if I can talk to someone using the same spell… But I’d have to get another one of those treasure chests.
And as I enjoy my walk in the water like my mind reverted to a kid’s, there are two changes on my map.
First, is that suddenly there’s a green dot about ten meters in front of me. I can’t see it, probably because it’s deep enough that the sunlight doesn’t quite reach that area.
The second, is four white dots representing people. The position and the number tell me it’s definitely my girlfriends. They’re going around the tent all of a sudden…
Ah!
They’re worried because I’m gone…
Splash!!
The moment I think that, I hear someone jump into the water behind me.
I turn around, and see Aira in her swimwear. Our eyes meet, and I wave.
“…This guy…”
Is what her exasperated expression tells me she’s thinking.
She kicks the water and goes back up, probably to tell the others I’m safe.
I need to go up too, to show them I’m fine, but…
I’m curious about the treasure chest, so I brace myself to see them get mad at me, and go out to explore a bit more.
Sorry, but just wait for me a little longer.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
I get out of the water, pop the Bubble Armor, and run to the girls.
“Sorry for worrying you.”
“You sure did! When we left the tent, you were gone!”
“That’s bad for the heart…”
“I-I’m really sorry…”
Looking at Maki with somewhat teary eyes makes me feel like my heart is being constricted.
I’m definitely the one to blame this time.
I was having a little too much fun, and before I noticed it, I had spent over ten minutes underwater…
“Let’s have a date, as an apology.”
I say while holding Aki and Maki’s waists closer.
“Eh?”
“Shouta…?”
“I want to go too!”
“Uoh.”
Ayane hugs me from behind. I don’t think it will be a problem with me holding both of them. Ayane is small, so I think I’ll manage.
But I’m sure Ayane will want to go with Aira. I peek at Aira, and she hasn’t changed yet.
“Don’t worry about me. I can easily breathe while fighting underwater.”
“Just how much air can you keep in your lungs?”
“You should be able to do that as well. Stats are not just for fighting monsters.”
“Ah… Then follow me.”
She nods, and I activate the Bubble Armor, with the four of us inside it.
“Don’t get away from me. Let’s get the underwater date started!”
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a sea in a dungeon is if there’s fish.
That question was answered before, when I started walking here. We didn’t notice any other life around when we were swimming and playing with a beach ball, but once we step in deeper, the scenery changes.
There are fish swimming all around, and coral reefs with vibrant colors beneath us. Everyone’s eyes shine when they see this.
The beautiful sight captures their hearts, and they reflexively reach out when we get close enough.
I have two small hands on my neck, and four lovely hands on my chest, and when I feel two of them leaving me, I immediately call out to them.
“Ayane, Aki, stop.”
“Fuah.”
“Nya!?”
“This film is magic that I’m constantly keeping active by focusing on its shape. If you reach out all of a sudden, it might break. I get how you feel, but…”
“Awawa, sorry!”
“S-sorry…”
“Ah, I’m not mad. In return, stick close to me and I’ll be happy.”
“““Yes.”””
We fool around like this, and sometimes I get a glimpse of Aira. Looking at her like this really shows how amazing her proportions are. Sadly, she’s not wearing something very revealing, but… I’m scared of what she might wear next time if I tell her that.
Then our eyes meet, and that reminds me of something.
“Aira, can you hear us?”
She nods.
I see, so this magic doesn’t block sound. I’m really going to need this when it comes time to fight underwater.
“There’s something I want you to see. It should be nearby… Aira, it’s about twenty meters ahead of us. Can you go first?”
She nods, and moves so fast, you wouldn’t think she was underwater.
She’s like a mermaid. I think that was what they originally called women of the sea, but in Aira’s case, it feels like it means she’s a maid of the sea.
We follow her, and slip behind a boulder, where there’s a cave with an air pocket. Aira is clearly surprised to see the treasure chest in it.
When we get to the cave, I pop the Bubble Armor.
“That’s an incredible place for a treasure chest!”
“So this is what you wanted us to see, Shouta.”
Say Aki and Maki.
“I wasn’t lying about the underwater date.”
“Fufu, I know.”
“It’s wonderful.”
Says Ayane, and I pat her head as we all look at the treasure chest. But then, we all start to question it.”
“…Oh?”
“What is this treasure chest…”
“There’s a weird pattern!”
This treasure chest is red with a blue Death Crab pattern.
And it’s locked.
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Thanks for the treat.